Since arriving in L.A., I’ve been on the hunt for some homemade barbeque that compares to the deliciousness found in the South.

The search has been difficult but I’m excited to say I found my go-to at Longhorn’s BBQ Smokehouse in Santa Clarita.

I brought along one of the toughest critic of them all, a Texas native who grew up on the best barbeque around. If I can get his approval, I can get anyone’s.

As soon as we walked through the door I felt at home with the Texas décor, including license plates lining the walls and a southern bell with a sign that reads, “If you think your food is swell ring the bell.”

A friendly gentleman in a cowboy hat greeted us at the counter and gave me a detailed run-down of the menu.  We ordered the two-meat combo with brisket and pulled pork that came with two sides of our choice, bacon macaroni and cheese and cowboy beans.

To round out the order we added a half rack of ribs all for $26.98, a good price for the portion.

To pass the time while we anxiously waited for our food, we had some fun playing with their Texas trivia book.

Did you know? The Lost Padre gold mine that is one of the biggest undiscovered treasures in the U.S. is located in El Paso, Texas- fun fact.

The food was served in paper baskets with checkered paper, to match the décor.

The first and real test was the brisket that came sliced nice’n thick, which is already a plus over most other barbeque joints.

The brisket was a winner, fork-tender with the perfect hint of smoky flavor. The pulled pork was on the money too. The pork’s smoky flavor was just enough that I didn’t even use my barbeque sauce.  The ribs were mouth-watering, as the meat falls right off the bone.

The sides were good and filling, and you can never have enough bacon macaroni & cheese.

It was very cheesy as it should be and the bacon…need I say more? The cowboy beans were juicy and paired well with the meat.

You can look forward to taking home leftovers.  We were served enough food for four people, but we managed to make room for dessert and oh boy I’m happy we did.

The homemade peach cobbler was a perfect ending to the hearty meal.

This casual barbeque spot has only been open for a couple of months so many of their costomers are new, and based on our experience they are sure to have repeat business.

It’s safe to say Longhorn’s BBQ Smokehouse is the soon to be discovered, treasure of L.A barbeque joints.  And yes, it won over the Texas native who rang the bell on his way out.